Life, that is? I suppose it's all in your perspective and what is happening in your life. But whether its good or bad these days, I hope you still find the awe of life in the every day. This week I am starting a new book, and it's just a reminder of how much I love writing and the ability to write for a living. That certainly wasn't always true. I was a teacher for five years, and during that time was always trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. Well, I still haven't grown up. But I did discover my passion. And that's writing. To think that I get to make up stories and get paid for it! Wow! Once upon a time, when I was a kid, I got in trouble for making things up.

So whether you passion is writing or singing or dusting or adding numbers, I hope you are able to truly enjoy that passion and find the joy in it daily. If not, then I hope you find your passion and God's path for you.

Did y'all watch last night? Boy, it really was sort of a lackluster night. But it ended strong. Love Adam! What a voice! Also really liked Allison, the 16 year old. Those are my top picks to get into the top 12 this week. I think the other pick will be a toss up. What do y'all think?

Well, it happens before you know it. Our kids grow up fast. And puppies even faster. Hard to believe our labradoodle puppy is 40 lbs and almost six months old. And so ... drum roll here ... all pet owners know what that means for a girl dog ... more drums with a fatalistic sound ... it's time to get fixed. Yep, my puppy is having surgery today. :( Hate that. I'm always nervous for my babies when they have to have anything done at the vet, but surgery is surgery. And our lab almost died 7 years ago when she was fixed (by a different vet). So anyway, please pray with me that Hilo will get through the surgery just fine and recover quickly.

The vet told me yesterday that we'll have to keep her from jumping for a couple of weeks. Oh boy. This is the puppy that has springs on the bottom of her feet. She leaps tall buildings with a single bound. She has easily jumped onto my dining room table. So keeping her from jumping for 2 weeks ... oh fun!

And I'm not talking about the 80s rock group with George Michael. Nope, I was driving the kids home from school yesterday, pulling into our driveway. I punched the button for our wrought iron gate to open. And it did. But as I pulled through the opening, it slammed back against the side of my minivan. Knocked the side mirror off and scratched up the whole side. Sigh. We figured out the battery had died. It has an automatic close mechanism when that happens. At least the gate is working again. The minivan is in the shop getting fixed. Don't ya just hate when things like that happen? Oh, well, at least no one was hurt. I'm grateful we can get the van fixed.

The Oscars is always MY night, like Super Bowl is my hubby's. We've sort of made it a habit that when it's Super Bowl night, I cook what snacky foods hubby wants, get the kids ready for school with showers and to bed. And vice versa for Oscar night.

I wasn't really connected to any of the movies this year as I hadn't had time to get to the theater to see any of the movies. But I always love seeing all the dresses. My favs for the night were: Kate Winslet, Anne Hathaway and Amy Adams. I really wanted Meryl Streep to get the Oscar to make 3 for her, but I'm happy with Kate getting it. She always performs wonderfully. I'm looking forward to seeing The Reader as I'm reading the book now. I also want to see Revolutionary Road. I keep hearing great things about The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, so I definitely want to see that one. And of course, I want to see Slumdog Millionaire.

I also like to see the images of those who passed away during the previous year: Van Johnson, Cyd Charisse, Paul Newman, etc...

And Hugh Jackman! Whoohooo! I thought he did a fabulous job. He's very engaging, just fun to watch and very talented. I thought he injected new life into Oscar which had been sorely lacking in previous years with lame political jokes and crude remarks.

So are you an Oscar watcher?

Anybody watching American Idol this season yet? I missed the Hollywood week(s) as I was at the hospital with my dad. Thankfully, he is now home. Yea! Praise God! Anyway, they've really changed things up on Idol this season with the top 36 and selecting three from each group of 12. So far, I really like it. It always gets very painful watching week after week those singing who should have already been eliminated. So I think this is a good change. It'll move things along a little faster.

Congrats to Alexis, Danny and Michael. I thought Alexis rocked. Great voice. Loved Danny. Michael is good, but he might be limited in his range. We'll see. So far, I think Idol is off to a good start. So what do you think of the changes?

I hope all of you had a happy Valentine's Day. At my house, we've all been treading water for the last three weeks as we've been going to and from the hospital to visit my dad that we enjoyed just having a meal together. It looks like my dad might go home tomorrow, so that's present enough!

Occasionally, I'd like to let y'all know about some other fiction besides mine, so here's a book you might want to check out.

DOUBLE MINDS

A Stand-Alone Novel by Terri Blackstock

Were the bullets intended for her?

As talented singer/songwriter Parker James struggles to make her mark on the Nashville music scene, she finds the competition can be fierce – even deadly. When a young woman is murdered at the recording studio where Parker works, Parker is drawn into a mystery where nothing is as it seems. Unraveling the truth puts her own life at risk when she uncovers high-level industry corruption and is terrorized by a menacing stalker. As the danger escalates, Parker begins to question her dreams, her future, and even her faith. Does stardom even matter anymore?


“Blackstock’s superior writing will keep readers turning pages late into the night to discover the identity of the culprit in this amazing mystery. The unique setting and peek into the Nashville music scene are fascinating. Suspense lovers are in for a delightful treat.” Romantic Times, February 2009.


Terri Blackstock’s books have sold six million copies worldwide. Known for her “Up All Night Fiction,” Terri has had over twenty-five years of success as a novelist. Terri makes her home in Mississippi, where she and her husband Ken are enjoying their empty nest after raising three children.


See the Video Trailer for Double Minds at www.terriblackstock.com


Available now at http://www.amazon.com/Double-Minds-Novel-Terri-Blackstock/dp/0310250633/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1234798664&sr=1-1, or

www.christianbook.com, www.bn.com, and your favorite bookstores everywhere.

Double Minds

ISBN #978-0-310-31842-2

Have you ever seen the musical Cats? I was able to take my 9 year old daughter Sunday night. She loved it. We decided our cat, Miracle, has the secret Jellicle name of Wicked. Fits her pretty well. When my daughter was two years old, she would dance around to the music from Cats. So cute. My thoughts are random today ... sorry. Sitting here at the hospital waiting room while my dad has the procedure done on his kidneys. I look around at all the people coming and going. Everyone has a story. Everyone is there for a loved one. Hopeful for healing or heart breaking. It's a microcosm of stories and lives and fertile territory for a prayer warrier and for a writer.

For fun, if you were a cat, what would be your name?

He's still in the hospital. They'll make a decision tomorrow about whether to place a shunt into his kidney to allow it to drain. If so, I'm thinking he'll be in the hospital most of next week. Thanks for the prayers! Really appreciate them.

My wonderful niece was here this weekend and signed me up on Facebook, so if you have a page on Facebook 'friend' me. Or join my 'fan' page.

-- It's not always cold in hospital rooms. Wear layers.

--You can't pick food off the tray. The nurses are taking notice of what the patient is eating. Oops!

--As bad as our situation might seem to us, there are usually a dozen worse. So many hurting people. So many prayers needed. So many nice people.

Here's the update on my dad: he has a blocked kidney. We're waiting to hear back on the C-T scan and what the blockage could be. Probably cancer considering his history. My parents will have to make some big decisions, so prayers for them during this time and as we try to support and encourage them through this difficult time. Thanks for all your prayers.

Well, that's a crazy subject heading, isn't it? But a gal I met last year when I was the keynote speaker for her church's women's tea interviewed me for her blog recently. And the picture she put up of me ... well, you just have to see it. Is my hair the crysalis? Go to: www.writebyfaith.blogspot.com. Hope you enjoy the interview. And I'm giving away a book, so be sure and enter the contest.

Blessings!